2025 is the year of construction and closures at Disney World.
Astro Orbiter is closed
There are so many rides that are undergoing refurbishment or have permanently closed to make way for new experiences. Currently, there are three attractions closed in the Magic Kingdom, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Hall of Presidents, and the Astro Orbiter. Soon, that list will grow, as Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will soon close to make way for a brand new Cars expansion.
We have been monitoring the construction of these closed attractions, and there is one Magic Kingdom refurbishment that shocked us.
When most rides close for refurbishment, we usually only see construction walls and cranes, and while we have noticed that some track has disappeared during Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s refurbishment, we were SHOCKED to see that the Astro Orbiter is completely dismantled!
Where did it go?!
In case you need a refresher, the Astro Orbiter in Disney World’s Tomorrowland requires you to take an elevator to get up to the attraction. It sits on top of the loading area for the PeopleMover.
Here is what it usually looks like
With the refurbishment, the planets, along with the actual ride vehicles, have been taken down! When construction first started, there were walls in Tomorrowland to keep a crane behind, but the walls were no longer up, and the crane was also gone.
The crane and walls are down!
One of our reporters talked to a Cast Member, and they told us that Astro Orbiter is completely dismantled and removed in terms of the ride itself as it is refurbished elsewhere. They also told us that this is the norm and it usually happens about every ten years.
The Astro Orbiter is being refurbished elsewhere
Once the walls came down, we noticed that there was a new plaza without the trees in the planters. We feel this change makes the area look cleaner and more open, but we are not sure if this will be a permanent change.
The new planters are filled with flowers.
Tomorrowland sure feels and looks different without the full Astro Orbiter. The ride closed temporarily on January 13th, and while no re-opening date has been announced, Disney said that the ride should return this summer!
There are even more closures about to hit Disney World, so make sure to continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news!
All the Disney World Rides That Will Be Closed for Refurbishment in February 2025
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Stitch’s great escape has been missing for years.
Yikes! But yes – hoping the open area is temporary to give guests more area to walk with the ride be closed…and also not there. Please bring it back soo!
NOT A GOOD YEAR TO GO TO WDW. THATS WHY WE’RE
GOING TO DISNEYLAND THIS MONTH
We are going in March with the grandkids. Hope it’s not to disappointing.